Parasound Halo JC-1

Hi Duke,

Thanks for your response. My speakers are made by Rick Reimer (Reimer Speaker Systems) in Cody, Wy. They are the Wind River GS model which have a ribbon tweeter and a second order series crossover. I love them! I could spew out all sorts of subjective superlatives but the important thing is that I am very, very happy with them. As far as characteristics - they are fast, accurate and revealing. As far as improvements - right now I'm using a Stan Warren-modded Adcom 5400 and I think that the Reimers could make me even happier with "better" amplification. I have a First Sound pre-amp and a Stan Waren-modded Pioneer CD/DVD player as my source (which is also destined for upgrade.)

Again, thanks for your advice.

Kind regards,
Bill

Bill -

I'm completely unfamiliar with your speakers, and didn't find much about that particular model at the Reimer website. So I can't predict whether they'd work better with the Claytons or Parasounds or some other amp in the same general price ballpark. If they are a bit on the forward or bright side, I'd say the Claytons would make more sense. If they are neutral to a bit laid-back, the Parasounds would be a better bet.

Just curious - this has nothing to do with amplifier choice - how do they sound at very low volume levels?

Thanks,

Duke

I used the prototype to the JC-1s at the CES two years ago with the Wind River's bigger brother, the Tetons as showed with Rick Reimer.....We called the amp the CTC BBQ and it worked pretty well, but think we had a bit too much damping factor for the port Rick had used with the Tetons......He had the port set for the tube amps and the small Claytons he uses there so the bass was a bit too tight for my tastes......I would shoot Rick an email to get his thoughts before you plunk down any money on a set of Levinsons, Claytons or Parasounds.....I drove the CES system to Wyoming so Rick could hear it before the show and we both were pretty pleased with the result.......

Duke/Bob

Duke - thanks for taking the time to check the website (it's easy to understand why your input is so valued.) Using my newly acquired Radio Shack SPL meter, for my ears, up to 70 dB the Reimers image and soundstage very well but the music lacks life (no toe-tapping) however, at 70 dB things really come together. I did the measurements using a Cantus (men's chorus,)Charlie Hunter (jazz quintet - he plays an 8-string guitar and is well worth a listen. I've heard him live here in Philly a couple of times and recommend him highly,) and Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon.) Since I live in an apartment in Philly I tend to listen at lower levels. I hope that answers your question. If you want more info, I'll be happy to provide it.

Bob - can you explain more about the port being set for tube amps. I know he uses either a Welbourne Laurel IIx or a Clayton S-40 for his listening. Other than the bass being too tight, what were your impressions of the Tetons? Have you had a chance to hear the new versions with the ribbon tweeter?

Thanks,

Bill

Garbage, as anything else that can came from that crew. Although, if you are in ML domain then it would be “your” amp.

Good luck,
Romy the Cat